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rest of Alinor's plans. Only the last letter was difficult. Alinor trusted Ela well enough, and even Salisbury, insofar as his intentions went. What she did not trust was Salisbury's blindness to his brother's real viciousness. Therefore, the whole story of Alinor's intentions could not be told. She wrote as if she were in a furious hurry, dwelling largely on the treachery of her castellan. For the rest, she left all vague, beyond saying she was gathering men either to free her husband or to take vengeance for him. She named no names and no places. There might be some danger in that, but probably it was less than providing too definite information, which could give the king focal points for interference. |
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Bruse passed his letter into Lady Ela's hands just after Mass the following morning. He did not bow himself out of her presence at once. Seeing him stand waiting, Lady Ela broke the seal immediately. She had been about to put the letter away until after breakfast. She always enjoyed Alinor's letters and had intended to indulge herself with a relaxed half hour over it. However, if the messenger was waiting, Alinor must expect an immediate answer. Perhaps she intended to make a visit. Ela's eyes brightened. |
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''Your lady desires an answer?" she asked. |
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"I do not think so, madam," Bruse replied in crude and halting French. "The lady bid me wait to answer whatever questions you should ask of me." |
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Questions? Ela ripped open the scroll and began to read. What questions could she have to ask a servant? Unless it was troubleand bad trouble at that. It was. |
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"How long did you seek your lord? How far did you go from Clyro? How do you know he did not go to visit Lord Llewelyn?" |
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"I beg you," Bruse faltered, "please, slower." |
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Ela repeated her questions more clearly, and Bruse told his story again, beginning with the suspicions raised in him by the odd manner in which he was turned away |
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